GROWING TOMATOES IN CONTAINERS

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If you like to grow your tomatoes in a container, there are a couple of different containers you may utilize.

A standard type container, the equal height as the diameter, is the most recommended. However tomatoes have been grown in many types of containers from clay pots, plastic pots, bushel baskets to whiskey barrels. The containers must have holes in the base to allow for drainage and prevent root rotting.

Once you have chosen the container for your tomatoes, you will want to fill it 3/4 full of a nutrient-rich potting mix. Before you fill your container with potting soil put a stake near the center of the pot and then plant your tomato next to the stake. Choosing stocky, vigorous plants will give you a better start. Water your tomato plant and add a little more soil if required.

Place your tomato plants where the will receive at least 8 hours of sunlight daily. The advantage of container growing tomatoes is that you can always move it if there are problems with the sunshine or wind. Make sure you check your plants on a daily basis to see if the need to be watered and by mid-July you can begin fertilizing them. Once a week give your plants a good watering with a water soluble fertilizer. Always water your tomatoes before fertilizing them.

Once your tomato plant begins to bear fruit, you will want to take off the ripe fruit quickly to keep the fruit forming. You can grow many other vegetables in containers besides tomatoes; cucumbers,squash and peppers also do well in containers.

It truly is fantastic to have the ability to raise your own tomatoes. Being able to enjoy your own delicious homegrown tomatoes that taste so much better than any you can buy from the store. By using containers to grow your tomatoes in even apartment dwellers or anyone who is restricted for room can still savor the same rewards as people who have a backyard garden.